Alex swivels round in his chair and looks up at me. ‘I think you’re right,’ he says to Rob, but I’m the one who gets the full benefit of those gorgeous chocolate-drop eyes. He gives me the ghost of a wink.

‘Took you long enough to work it out,’ Becky teases. ‘I thought you two would be perfect for each other the moment you met.’

‘We were,’ I say. Alex stands up, taking my hand, and as I finish my sentence we’re disappearing out of the room.

‘It just took us a while to figure it out.’

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

Like Alex, when I was a teenager I spent a lot of time wandering around London while my dad was working, so it’s been absolutely lovely to write a whole book about one of my favourite places in the world. Huge thanks to everyone in the hardworking Avon gang for being so welcoming, and making this book such a joy to write – particular thanks to my brilliant editor, Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks. Thanks also to Amanda Preston, brilliant agent, moral support and cheerleader. You deserve a medal.

To the Millionaires, Hooters, and the Book Camp gang – thank you all for keeping me (relatively) sane, making me laugh with publishing gossip, and for celebrating with me every time I think I’m finished a book, and then again when it’s finally done. You are all the best.

To my gorgeous children Verity, Rosie, Archie, Jude and Rory – I love you enormously, and I’m so proud of the kind, lovely, thoughtful people you are. Sorry we’ve had pasta for dinner eight million times this year, but on the plus side, at least it’s not risotto. Also please tidy your rooms. (If I put it down on paper, maybe you’ll listen.)

To my family – Ross, Zoe, Mae, Mum, Chris – and my dear friends – Jax, Elise and Rhiannon – who put up with my vagueness, disorganisation and promises to call back when I’ve finished one more chapter, I love you all.

To my dogs, Mabel, Martha and Tilly – love and ear rubs. (But do please stop eating the furniture/chasing the guinea pigs/barking when I’m trying to edit.)

Last of all and most importantly – to you, reading this. Thank you for picking up this story. I hope you enjoyed reading Alex and Jess’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

About the Author

About the Author

ROSIE CURTIS was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and now lives with her family in a 150-year-old house by the sea in the northwest of England. She loves travel, happy-ever-after stories, and daydreaming. Her favorite book character is a toss-up between Anne Shirley and Jo March. Rosie also writes adult and teen fiction as Rachael Lucas.

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About the Publisher

About the Publisher

Australia

HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty. Ltd.

Level 13, 201 Elizabeth Street

Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Canada